In May 2020 MEP commenced work for JBA Consulting and East Riding of Yorkshire Council, providing fisheries liaison and loss adjustment services for the Rock Revetment coastal defence scheme at Withernsea Beach, East Yorkshire.
This area is heavily fished by a large number of boats for high value Crustacea. Rocks were delivered to the beach by ship and large barge and it was necessary to close a transhipment area, as well as a delivery corridor leading to the beach. All fishing gear had to be removed from these areas and kept out for the delivery period of two months. The fisheries are largely for high value shellfish (crab and lobster) and the works impacted around 24 vessels.
MEP designed a compensation strategy for local fishers who were affected by the project. Through liaison and negotiation with each fisher, MEP were able to achieve fair compensation packages for all those directly affected.
A ship delivered rocks, sourced from a quarry in Rekefjord on the southern coast, these were transferred to a barge and delivered to the beach for placement. A total of 63,000t of rock was transported over the last few months. Now assembled, the scheme’s interlocking rock structure is designed to prevent wave action from reaching the cliffs, reducing further coastal erosion. The work was successfully concluded at the beginning of September 2020.
